A drug and alcohol framework is one step towards managing alcohol and other drug risks, but it is only the beginning.

Duty of care obligations under workplace health and safety legislation require employers to take all reasonable or practical steps to ensure the health and safety of their workers by first identifying – and then reducing or removing – risks.

Employers that fail to comply can face significant financial penalties that may even lead to imprisonment.

• OHS legislation puts responsibilities on employers to ensure the health and safety of all workers and any other people who may be affected by the undertakings of the employer. This includes contractors, casual workers, volunteers, visitors and the general public
• Employees have a responsibility to be “fit for work” – a concept open to interpretation
• The way that businesses manage employees with drug and alcohol problems can pose significant industrial relations challenges. Issues can arise relating to unfair termination, drug testing and the requirements for privacy.